A walk up the beach for an incredible dinner at La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel…

…and for a more laid-back vibe, Mexican on the rooftop at the very chic Buho Cocina y Cantina…

We spent our final night at the rotating bar and restaurant, Top of Waikiki, taking in Oahu’s beautiful ocean and mountain vistas on a tranquil 360 degree rotation - gorgeous!

PEARL HARBOR

Our visit wasn’t all lazing about in the sun on beautiful beaches, getting up occasionally to run into the surf and cool off, or grab a mai tai and a taco from a nearby world-class restaurant.

Pearl Harbor still houses both the USS military vessel upon which Japan signed its 1945 WWII surrender to the Allied forces, and the memorial to those killed in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack that launched the US into that war.

USS Missouri

The USS Missouri has a tour which, if you’re into WWII in any way, is pretty extraordinary. This is the actual ship from which MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender. Blamey was there as head of Australian forces in the Pacific, and the significance of that allied acceptance and treaty signing is awe inspiring. The historical moment, and the simple fact that these countries had unified to bring about the success of the campaign, is at the same time so momentous, thrilling, and tragic.

So, I just thought being on this ship was amazing.

Actual site of the 1945 signing

Instrument of Surrender, USS Missouri

By contrast the USS Arizona memorial, in which the bodies of servicemen are actually entombed, is of course horrific and affecting. The memorial itself is beautiful, and very peaceful and spiritual.

The fact you can see the Missouri from the memorial holds significance in itself…

USS Missouri from the USS Arizona memorial

I also loved the section of the memorial dedicated to US internship of Japanese during WWII, and celebrating the Japanese Americans who served.

Visiting Waikiki was such an amazing experience. Somewhere between the US and Australia, in vibe and culture. The people are gorgeous, the weather is perfect, the beaches are gooood, and the history is pretty fascinating too - Pearl Harbor, American colinization, the lot. July is a beautiful time to visit. Get yourself there, asap!!

Love Liv and Rob xx

Olivia Jones

Liv and Rob are two possums living in the US. We like music, and soccer, and some other things. Enjoy our blog. <3 us